The Ruff Report: Dogs and Health

Saturday

Jun 23, 2012 at 12:01 AMNov 5, 2012 at 5:59 PM

For dogs, heat stroke really is no sweat

A sunny summer day may seem perfect to you for a walk in the park or along a sandy beach, but these kinds of seemingly delightful days can be quickly turn into a death trap for playful dogs, a leading animal welfare agency warns.Even short walks along hot pavement, attending outdoor events and sitting inside automobiles - even with windows open - can quickly lead to deadly heat stroke for dogs, who are especially susceptible to it because they lack sweat glands and can only pant to cool down, according to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Story continues below----------------------------------------------------------------------A book about a rescue dogthat will touch your heart THE HUNT OF HER LIFE, a full-color book by newspaper journalist and MySetterSam.com publisher Joseph A. Reppucci, is must reading for animal lovers of all ages. It has 60 color photos of dogs to illustrate the compelling story of Samantha, an unwanted rescue dog adopted at age 2 by Mr. Reppucci. Travel with them along a trail of life filled with surprising twists, sudden turns, mystery and even what some call a miracle. And when the journey is finished, you may never look at people and their pets, motherhood - and perhaps even God - in the same way. THE HUNT OF HER LIFE will take you on a captivating journey - a trip like no other - that will touch your heart.For more details and to order, go to theMySetterSam E-store

Also find The Hunt of Her Life on:Facebook/thehuntofherlifeAmazon.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------Story continues hereďA hot car can be a death trap for dogs, it is as simple as that," Mark Evans veterinary adviser for Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, states in a media release. "Leaving your dog in a car, even on an average warm, even cloudy summer day, can put your pet at huge risk of suffering and even death. This is not a new warning, but sadly too many people still donít appreciate how dangerous it can be ... Donít let your dog be the one to find out the hard way.Ē

The temperature inside a car can soar to 117 degrees within 60 minutes, even when the outside temperature is just 72 degrees, according to the RSPCA. Opening a window or leaving a bowl of water for your dog will make little difference and still leaves dogs in serious danger of suffering heat stroke.

Dogs have no sweat glands and must pant to help keep themselves cool, but the effectiveness of panting is reduced as the temperature and humidity rise. Excessive panting, a rapid pulse, overly red or purple gums, increased salivation and lack of coordination are warnings signs of heat stroke, according to the RSPCA. More severe signs of heat stroke include a dog's reluctance or inability to rise after collapsing or a pet suffering from seizures, vomiting or diarrhea.Owners who believe their dogs are suffering from heat stroke should take immediate action, the RSPCA says. Those actions include: Immediately moving your dog to a cooler spot.Slowly dousing your dog with cool, not cold, water or place in the breeze of a fan. Never cool a dog so much that it begins to shiver.Continuing to douse with cool water until your dog's breathing starts to settle.Giving your dog small amounts of cool water.Immediately taking your dog to a veterinarian after he is stable. Here are some tips from the RSPCA to help keep your dog safe in the sun: Make sure your dog always can move into a cooler, ventilated environment.Provide a cool, shady spot where you dog can escape from the sun at all times of the day if you have to leave your dog outside.Make sure your dog always has a good supply of drinking water in a weighted bowl that cannot be knocked over.Carry water with you on hot days and give your dog frequent, small amounts.Groom your dog regularly to get rid of excessive hair. Give long-coated breeds a haircut. Related reports:Summer's hidden dangers can kill your petBackyard ritual can sicken - even kill - your petSwimming pool safety tips for pet ownersTips for safe boating with your dogMore reports about dogs and safetyMore reports about dogs and health:This formula is certain to sicken your petFavorite dog pastime a leading cause of illnessAn all-natural substance that makes dog's sick Try this fountain of youth for your petA wonder drug guaranteed to help your petFor pets, your dirty hands are really sickening The flu bug can bite your dog, tooPurebred dogs needlessly suffering, report saysAlarming rise in heartworm a threat to petsMore reports about dogs and healthWalk your dog early in the morning or later in the evening and never allow your dog to exercise excessively in hot weather.Use a pet-safe sunscreen to prevent your dogs from getting sunburned. Dogs with with light-colored noses or light colored fur on their ears are at higher risk of sunburn.HOME

A sunny summer day may seem perfect to you for a walk in the park or along a sandy beach, but these kinds of seemingly delightful days can be quickly turn into a death trap for playful dogs, a leading animal welfare agency warns.Even short walks along hot pavement, attending outdoor events and sitting inside automobiles - even with windows open - can quickly lead to deadly heat stroke for dogs, who are especially susceptible to it because they lack sweat glands and can only pant to cool down, according to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Story continues below----------------------------------------------------------------------A book about a rescue dogthat will touch your heart THE HUNT OF HER LIFE, a full-color book by newspaper journalist and MySetterSam.com publisher Joseph A. Reppucci, is must reading for animal lovers of all ages. It has 60 color photos of dogs to illustrate the compelling story of Samantha, an unwanted rescue dog adopted at age 2 by Mr. Reppucci. Travel with them along a trail of life filled with surprising twists, sudden turns, mystery and even what some call a miracle. And when the journey is finished, you may never look at people and their pets, motherhood - and perhaps even God - in the same way. THE HUNT OF HER LIFE will take you on a captivating journey - a trip like no other - that will touch your heart.For more details and to order, go to theMySetterSam E-store

Also find The Hunt of Her Life on:Facebook/thehuntofherlifeAmazon.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------Story continues hereďA hot car can be a death trap for dogs, it is as simple as that," Mark Evans veterinary adviser for Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, states in a media release. "Leaving your dog in a car, even on an average warm, even cloudy summer day, can put your pet at huge risk of suffering and even death. This is not a new warning, but sadly too many people still donít appreciate how dangerous it can be ... Donít let your dog be the one to find out the hard way.Ē

The temperature inside a car can soar to 117 degrees within 60 minutes, even when the outside temperature is just 72 degrees, according to the RSPCA. Opening a window or leaving a bowl of water for your dog will make little difference and still leaves dogs in serious danger of suffering heat stroke.

Dogs have no sweat glands and must pant to help keep themselves cool, but the effectiveness of panting is reduced as the temperature and humidity rise. Excessive panting, a rapid pulse, overly red or purple gums, increased salivation and lack of coordination are warnings signs of heat stroke, according to the RSPCA. More severe signs of heat stroke include a dog's reluctance or inability to rise after collapsing or a pet suffering from seizures, vomiting or diarrhea.Owners who believe their dogs are suffering from heat stroke should take immediate action, the RSPCA says. Those actions include: Immediately moving your dog to a cooler spot.Slowly dousing your dog with cool, not cold, water or place in the breeze of a fan. Never cool a dog so much that it begins to shiver.Continuing to douse with cool water until your dog's breathing starts to settle.Giving your dog small amounts of cool water.Immediately taking your dog to a veterinarian after he is stable. Here are some tips from the RSPCA to help keep your dog safe in the sun: Make sure your dog always can move into a cooler, ventilated environment.Provide a cool, shady spot where you dog can escape from the sun at all times of the day if you have to leave your dog outside.Make sure your dog always has a good supply of drinking water in a weighted bowl that cannot be knocked over.Carry water with you on hot days and give your dog frequent, small amounts.Groom your dog regularly to get rid of excessive hair. Give long-coated breeds a haircut. Related reports:Summer's hidden dangers can kill your petBackyard ritual can sicken - even kill - your petSwimming pool safety tips for pet ownersTips for safe boating with your dogMore reports about dogs and safetyMore reports about dogs and health:This formula is certain to sicken your petFavorite dog pastime a leading cause of illnessAn all-natural substance that makes dog's sick Try this fountain of youth for your petA wonder drug guaranteed to help your petFor pets, your dirty hands are really sickening The flu bug can bite your dog, tooPurebred dogs needlessly suffering, report saysAlarming rise in heartworm a threat to petsMore reports about dogs and healthWalk your dog early in the morning or later in the evening and never allow your dog to exercise excessively in hot weather.Use a pet-safe sunscreen to prevent your dogs from getting sunburned. Dogs with with light-colored noses or light colored fur on their ears are at higher risk of sunburn.HOME